Two video games, two 2-0 wins. Liverpool are off to a really businesslike begin to the season; the Reds are rapidly turning into the picture of their new boss, Arne Slot.
The Dutch head coach at Anfield is all enterprise; straight-talking, ruthless when he must be, however calm and composed all through – similar to he needs his facet to be and simply what they’re rapidly beginning to turn out to be on the pitch.
Slot’s facet have been actually composed as they recorded a snug win over Brentford at Anfield, mirroring their opening day win over Ipswich in some ways; bettering after half time, creating glorious possibilities as the sport progressed, and finally easing to victory.
It was, although, maybe ironic that the opening objective arrived from a super-fast counter-attack from a Brentford nook. Clearly, Slot’s model nonetheless permits for such lightning breaks given the standard Liverpool possess. “It’s good to inherit a workforce and people which can be so particular, and that’s what you noticed within the first objective as effectively,” stated the boss post-match.
However there have been indicators all through of the elevated management Liverpool now have underneath the 45-year-old. There was an occasion within the first half the place Andy Robertson started progressing down the touchline with the ball however Slot signalled for him to settle down and the ball as a substitute was recycled again round to Virgil van Dijk.
“The model of play, with attempting to construct out from the again, that’s our model,” stated Slot in pre-season. With 92 % of their passes accomplished towards Brentford – essentially the most recorded by a Liverpool facet since Opta started recording in 2003 – that managed model of constructing from the again is already very evident.
92% – Liverpool accomplished 92% of their passes in right this moment’s sport towards Brentford, their finest passing accuracy in a Premier League sport on document since 2003-04. Slotted. pic.twitter.com/5QFdd72YAtAugust 25, 2024
We had heard loads about Slot’s philosophy and his admiration for Pep Guardiola’s model of play however Anfield regulars obtained their first style, with some free-flowing strikes, particularly within the second half receiving rapturous applause from the stands.
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One such transfer, which started with a trademark, raking cross from Van Dijk out to Mo Salah virtually ended with a objective of the season contender after some lovely exchanges on the sting of the field. “It’s totally elegant, Dutch model,” remarked Harvey Elliott in pre-season and that’s actually what was on show.
Management replaces chaos at Liverpool
Each cross seems to be purposeful and composed – that phrase once more, managed. Slot has banned fancy flicks in coaching rondos; prepare the way you wish to play. Gamers are getting new messages on the coaching pitches and Slot and his new teaching employees are stricter than what they’ve changed.
Liverpool as a workforce are extra related, with fewer dangerous passes and fewer gaps between gamers, particularly within the again 4.
It’s maybe ironic as a result of this sort of routine win is precisely what Liverpool wanted at occasions underneath Jurgen Klopp, particularly final season. Liverpool went behind in virtually 40 per cent of their video games final season; a mentally and bodily exhausting demand on the gamers.
Slot outlined his need “not concede fixed counter-attacks” in pre-season and his facet have recorded the bottom ‘anticipated targets’ towards them within the opening two video games, whereas creating the best ‘anticipated targets’ in assault, too.
After all, it’s very early days and Liverpool and Slot will face a lot sterner exams, however for now the management that has changed the chaos actually seems to be a recipe that ought to give loads of optimism for the season forward.
It won’t be as thrilling, it may be the rollercoaster of feelings, however maybe that is precisely what’s required.
Extra Liverpool tales
Liverpool are taking a look at two transfers to exchange first-team stars: Andrew Robertson’s long-term inheritor has been recognized, whereas a successor to Virgil van Dijk may be part of, too. The Reds danger breaking Premier League guidelines after agreeing private phrases with first summer season signing and want to full 4 offers, whereas hijacking a transfer for an Arsenal goal.
It has been stated that the Merseysiders ‘didn’t care about wanting silly’ after they ‘ignored’ Mohamed Salah’s unsuccessful Chelsea spell when signing the Egyptian in 2017, whereas Rafa Benitez has revealed the three gamers he was unable to carry to Anfield. In the meantime, one former Liverpool star has sealed an emotional homecoming after a troublesome post-Anfield spell.
